Is my baby getting enough to eat from breastfeeding

Question: My baby is two weeks old and I am exclusively breastfeeding. Can you tell me how I can tell if my baby is getting enough to eat?

Answer: Many mothers worry about whether their breastfed baby is getting enough to eat. Unlike a bottle, there is no measurement on the breast for you to see the exact amount of breast milk baby is taking in. There is also no “full” gauge on baby’s tummy. This can be very concerning to new parents. You can be sure your baby is getting enough to eat if your baby is:

Breastfeeding at least eight to twelve times in 24 hours (every two to three hours).

Sucking and swallowing while breastfeeding. You should actually hear the milk being swallowed.

Happy and satisfied after breastfeeding.

Signs of a full tummy:

Baby falls asleep.

Baby’s body relaxes and she opens her fists.

Baby lets go of the nipple.

Baby is happy and content between feedings.

Gaining four to eight ounces per week after the first week.

Having six to eight wet diapers that are light yellow in color every 24 hours.

Having three to four yellow-colored stools every 24 hours.

If you have any concerns about how your baby is doing, call your health care provider or lactation consultant.